I know it sounds silly, but when you plug in your headphones or speakers into the jack, really push it in there. i had the same problems with my 256 i just got the other day. it sounded messed up with the headphones so i plugged a pair of computer speakers in and it sounded great. when i went to plug in the headphones, i noticed then went in further (didnt show any metal at all). Its a common problem.